Introducing Opole

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Welcome to Opole

Though Opole is primarily known as the home of the National Festival of Polish Songs, held here since 1963, the city offers plenty to do and see all year round. Every year, Opole hosts new and regular events, fairs, shows and competitions. Most places of interest are easily accessible from the historic centre of the city, making it possible to view them all even if you have only a few hours to spend in Opole.

Opole is not just the capital of Polish song; it is a city that seamlessly combines culture, education, tourism and business. It is small, yet enchanting, with numerous canals and green spaces adding to its charm.

Some of the points of interest are the historic churches and monasteries (fragments from 1280), the tombs of Piast princes and a huge tower that is the only remnant of the castle dismantled by the Germans in 1930. Encircled by fine tenement houses, the magnificent market square is the location of the town hall, which brings to mind the Palazzo Vecchio in Florence.

While almost all of Opole is situated on the mainland, on either side of the river Oder, it also includes two islands, Bolko and Pasieka. Lying in the middle of the river Oder, the former is definitely worth a trip as it offers some wonderful walking areas, with playgrounds hidden in the park, a lovely pond and a zoo.

The city has numerous hotels and restaurants that offer the specialities of Silesian cuisine that Opole is well known for. The warm months sees the sidewalks blooming with umbrellas as numerous popular cafes open for the season.